Mountains May Depart 2016
Directed by
Zhang Ke Jia
Made by
Kino Lorber
Mountains May Depart Plot Summary
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Mountains May Depart (2016). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
In the bustling town of Fenyang back in 1999, Tao, a 25-year-old shopkeeper, finds herself caught in a complex love triangle. On one side is her friend Liangzi, a poor laborer working in a local coal mine, who harbors deep, unreturned feelings for her. On the other is Jinsheng, the arrogant yet wealthy owner of a gas station, whose charm oddly attracts Tao despite his unpleasant nature. This growing affection for Jinsheng ignites tension between her two admirers, culminating in a confrontation that leads Tao and Jinsheng to decide on marriage. However, Liangzi, unable to suppress his feelings and maintain their friendship, ultimately chooses to leave the town.
Fast forward to 2014, Tao is now living a different life, having divorced Jinsheng, but still residing in Fenyang where she runs the gas station and has established herself as a prominent and generous figure in the community. Jinsheng, meanwhile, has moved to Shanghai, enjoying success and wealth from his investments, and has remarried. Liangzi is facing his own struggles, working as a miner near Handan and suffering from illness. During a poignant moment, Tao’s 7-year-old son, Daole (affectionately pronounced “Dollar” in English), visits for the funeral of Tao’s father. Tao, feeling the emotional distance between herself and Daole, projects her frustrations onto him. Aware that their paths are diverging, she makes a heartfelt decision to take the slow train ride with him. As a final token of love, she gifts Daole a set of keys to her house, symbolizing that he is always welcome to return home whenever he wishes.
By 2025, Daole, now known widely as Dollar, is navigating the challenges of college life in Australia. A rebellious spirit, he often clashes with his father over his desire to drop out and reclaim the freedom he lacked during his childhood. Amidst this turmoil, he meets Mia, his Chinese language instructor, an older woman who captivates him and whom he begins to date. Dollar confides in Mia about the keys his mother gave him long ago, expressing his deep-seated fears about her mortality and the years of silence between them. Encouraged by Mia, he decides to return to China to reconnect with Tao. The film concludes with a powerful image of Tao dancing to “Go West,” leaving the audience to ponder the nature of their potential reunion with Dollar lingering just out of reach.
Mountains May Depart Timeline
Follow the complete movie timeline of Mountains May Depart (2016) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Tao's Love Triangle
In the year 1999, in the bustling town of Fenyang, Tao finds herself at the center of a complicated love triangle. On one side is Liangzi, a poor laborer who secretly loves her, while on the other is Jinsheng, a wealthy gas station owner whose charm attracts her despite his flaws.
Confrontation and Decision
As Tao's feelings for Jinsheng grow, it creates tension with Liangzi, leading to a confrontation between the three. Ultimately, Tao and Jinsheng decide to marry, pushing Liangzi to a breaking point.
Liangzi Leaves Town
Unable to handle the pain of unrequited love and the changes in their friendship, Liangzi makes the difficult decision to leave Fenyang. This marks a significant turning point for all three characters.
Tao's New Life
Fast forward to 2014, Tao has divorced Jinsheng and is now running the gas station she once operated with him. She becomes a beloved figure in Fenyang, known for her generosity towards the community.
Jinsheng's Success
Meanwhile, Jinsheng has moved to Shanghai and has found success in his business ventures. He enjoys a wealthy lifestyle and has remarried, far removed from his past life in Fenyang.
Liangzi's Struggles
In contrast, Liangzi faces hardships of his own as he continues to work as a miner in Handan. He also suffers from an illness, reflecting the struggles faced by those who remain in the area.
Father's Funeral
During a poignant moment, Tao's 7-year-old son, Daole, returns to Fenyang for the funeral of Tao's father. This event highlights the emotional distance that now exists between Tao and her son.
Gift of Keys
Feeling disconnected from Daole, Tao gifts him a set of keys to her house, symbolizing her enduring love and hope that he will always have a home to return to. This acts as a significant token in their relationship.
Daole's College Life
By 2025, Daole, now known as Dollar, is navigating the challenges of college in Australia. He grapples with his independence and often clashes with his father about his desire to drop out for freedom.
Meeting Mia
While in college, Dollar meets Mia, an older Chinese language instructor who captivates him. They start dating, and Dollar finds himself confiding in her about his fears and uncertainties regarding his mother.
The Decision to Reconnect
Encouraged by Mia, Dollar makes the brave decision to return to China to reconnect with his mother, Tao. This journey represents a significant step toward healing and reconciliation in their relationship.
Tao's Dance
The film concludes with a powerful image of Tao dancing to 'Go West.' This scene encapsulates her journey of independence and the lingering possibility of reunion with Dollar, leaving the audience contemplative.
Mountains May Depart Characters
Explore all characters from Mountains May Depart (2016). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Tao
Tao is a resilient and complex woman, initially caught in a love triangle that shapes her destiny. As she matures, her character evolves from a young shopkeeper to a strong figure in her community, grappling with love, marriage, and motherhood. Her emotional struggles with her son highlight her attempts to balance her past choices with her hopes for the future.
Liangzi
Liangzi is portrayed as the sensitive and selfless friend who represents unrequited love. His internal struggles and choice to leave Fenyang underscore the themes of sacrifice and heartache. Despite his hardships as a miner, his quiet strength and integrity resonate deeply throughout the story.
Jinsheng
Jinsheng is a wealthy and arrogant character whose charm masks his unpleasant nature. His relationship with Tao is marked by challenge, control, and complexity. As he pursues success in Shanghai, his character offers a critique of societal values focused on wealth and status.
Daole (Dollar)
Daole, affectionately called 'Dollar,' is a symbol of the new generation struggling with familial ties and personal freedom. His rebellious nature and motives for returning to China reflect the journey of self-discovery. His relationship with Mia not only serves as a romantic subplot but symbolizes his quest for understanding his identity.
Mountains May Depart Settings
Learn where and when Mountains May Depart (2016) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
1999, 2014, 2025
The film unfolds across three pivotal years: 1999 depicting the complexities of young love and choices, 2014 showcasing the aftermath of those choices and the passage of time, and 2025 when Daole confronts the challenges of adulthood and identity. Each time period reflects broader societal changes in China and the evolving dynamics of personal relationships.
Location
Fenyang, Shanghai, Handan, Australia
Fenyang, a bustling town in China, is the backdrop for the central love triangle in the film. Known for its coal mining, it reflects the struggles and aspirations of its residents. Shanghai, a symbol of modernity and success, contrasts with Fenyang through Jinsheng's life choices. Handan represents the harsh realities faced by character Liangzi, while Australia signifies the pursuit of dreams and new beginnings for Daole.
Mountains May Depart Themes
Discover the main themes in Mountains May Depart (2016). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Love & Loss
The theme of love and its complexities is central to the narrative, showcasing the impact of forgiveness and loss in relationships. Tao's struggles with her feelings for Liangzi and Jinsheng highlight how love can be both a source of joy and pain. As time progresses, the emotional distance and reconciliations echo the timeless human experience of navigating love's path.
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Cultural Identity
Cultural identity plays a significant role as characters navigate their roots and varying life paths across countries and lifestyles. Daole's journey from Fenyang to Australia emphasizes the search for self amid cultural expectations and personal desires. The film explores how ties to one’s identity shape relationships and life decisions.
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Time & Memory
The passage of time is poignantly illustrated as characters evolve and reflect on choices made in the past. Memories and the weight of what was lost influence present actions and emotional connections. The slow train ride symbolizes the journey through time and the yearning to reconnect with loved ones, layering the narrative with nostalgia.
Mountains May Depart Spoiler-Free Summary
Discover the spoiler-free summary of Mountains May Depart (2016). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.
In a rapidly shifting China, the film opens amid the country’s sweeping economic transformation, where the old rhythms of a small coal‑town clash with the bright promise of modern ambition. The streets of Fenyang hum with the optimism of new enterprises while the shadows of tradition linger in soot‑stained mines and family homes. This layered backdrop creates a mood that is at once hopeful and nostalgic, a place where personal dreams are measured against the tide of national change.
At the heart of the story is Shen Tao, a shopkeeper whose quiet strength anchors the community. She finds herself pulled between two distinct visions of the future: Zhang, a charismatic entrepreneur whose drive embodies the country’s burgeoning market spirit, and Liangzi, a modest coal miner whose life reflects the endurance of older customs. Their differing worlds illuminate the tension between progress and heritage, and Tao’s internal struggle becomes a delicate dance of love, identity, and the desire for belonging. The film’s tone is lyrical and introspective, letting everyday moments—glances across a bustling market, the echo of a distant train—speak louder than any dialogue.
Threaded through these choices is the next generation, hinted at by the presence of Tao’s young son Daole. His curious eyes and tentative steps hint at a future that will inherit both the rapid modernization and the lingering echoes of the past. The narrative’s style is subtle, using music and light to underscore the emotional distance and quiet hope that pervade each character’s path. As the story unfolds across years, the audience is invited to contemplate how love, ambition, and the relentless march of time shape the contours of a family’s ever‑evolving landscape.
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